Now that the euphoria of the 50th anniversary of Independence has subsided, the forthcoming general election (GE) will be the next major act.

We can expect a lot more "feel good" statements from the government in the run-up to the elections. After all, it is often said that Malaysians have short memories.

The 11th GE in March 2004 saw Barisan Nasional (BN) chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his team winning 91 percent of the parliamentary seats. There was much chest thumping by Abdullah and his troupe as they celebrated an overwhelming mandate from the rakyat.

Malaysia's system of parliamentary democracy is such that we can have a situation where the majority do not vote for the BN and yet it can still become the ruling coalition. This can be achieved by creative delineation of parliamentary constituencies. With shifting demographics and changing voting trends, delineation exercises attempt to neutralise the opposition votes in unsafe areas to favour the incumbent government.

The 2004 delineation exercise was so well gerrymandered that 64 percent of the popular vote was able to secure the BN 91 percent of the parliamentary seats. That's right, only 64 percent voted for the BN. (See Chart)

With near-total control of Parliament, little wonder that the House has degenerated into a circus. Bills are pushed through and the imbecile conduct of some MPs has put the country to shame. To say the quality of the debate is low would be an overstatement. First World country, Third World mentality? It starts from our lawmakers. We deserve the government we voted in.

Abdullah's current cabinet is a lopsided representation of the different communities. Umno controls 73 percent of the cabinet and the government. As in Parliament, decisions are pushed through to serve Umno's agenda, even though we are often told that important issues are discussed in cabinet meetings and decisions are made by consensus. But it must be remembered that non-Umno parties in BN are subservient to Umno. (See Chart)

What is most disappointing is that some non-Umno politicians have become apologists for Umno. The MCA is a tool used by Umno to garner Chinese Malaysian votes. As for Gerakan, Umno is content with it remaining in Penang where the MCA and Umno can keep it busy with ensuring its political relevance. I don't even want to go into the MIC leadership, which is in a class of its own.

Quotable quotes

Many of us still remember these statements by Abdullah during the 2004 election campaign:
- I am the No. 1 public servant.
- Work with me, not for me.
- Sharing power means sharing a future together.

These were powerful statements that renewed hope for some voters. Some probably gave him the benefit of the doubt after 22 years of Mahathirism. Malaysians are generally gullible.

Talk is cheap but what has changed in the last three years of BN rule? Its 2004 manifesto stated among others:
- BN ensures that no group is neglected or left behind
- BN ensures that each community is represented
- We believe in the fair and equitable sharing of the fruits of economic growth. Development must benefit all areas of the country and all groups. Those in need will continue to receive support. No group will be left behind.

Debate on the NEP have always been contentious. It is often used by certain Umno politicians to score political brownie points. And when the debate gets hot, the ugly spectre of May 13 is often used to silence critics.

The fact remains that the NEP is here to stay for a long time, whether we like it or not. While the poverty level is reported to have been reduced, the NEP itself has created thousands of multi-millionaires. The well-connected are the immediate beneficiaries of the NEP.

In the Budget 2008 speech on Sept 7, Abdullah proposed that, from next year, all public-listed companies will have to disclose in their annual financial report their racial composition and programmes to develop bumiputera vendors. Private enterprises are slowly being pressured to throw out meritocracy to support Umno's NEP. I would really like to see all government-linked companies disclose their racial composition too.

In the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Islamisation has been subtly sneaked in via Islam Hadhari. Social and economic development are being carried out under the umbrella of Islam Hadhari. Abdullah needs to leave something behind as a legacy - just as 'Vision 2020' was the brainchild of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Islam Hadhari is Abdullah's baby.

More pledges from Abdullah and his team:
- BN cares about your needs and will seek your views on important issues
- BN safeguards the interests of all citizens. We listen to and act on the aspirations of all groups regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and religion.
- All ethnic groups are represented in the BN. Power sharing is genuine, together with a strong spirit of togetherness and 'give and take'.

Recent events show up the absence of sincerity in his pledges. The media was ordered not to bring up sensitive issues. Public forums on certain issues were disallowed. A few socio-political bloggers and their families were harassed or hauled in by the authorities in an attempt to cause fear and to curtail blogging.

Some young Umno political upstarts even had the audacity to tell MCA's senior leaders to "shut up" and not bring up sensitive issues. And the Umno leadership seems to have condoned this, letting the young punks get away without even a slap on their wrists. In Parliament, certain Umno MPs have the habit of denigrating and insulting other ethnic groups and women.

The Federal Constitution has been subtly amended over the years to suit some powerful agendas. And we are not allowed to debate these issues in public because they are "sensitive". That is the evident spirit of BN's sharing of power and 'give and take'.

Major failings

More quotes:
- Make a pledge to yourself in the name of God that 'I'll not accept bribes. That I will not be bribed'.
- BN will continue the all out campaign against corruption, without fear or favour.

Corruption is not just entrenched in our system but being done openly. The corrupt are bolder because they know the Anti-Corruption Agency has lost credibility. Its standard responses are that there is "not enough evidence" or "no official reports were made". The RM6.75 billion navy patrol boat fiasco unearthed by the Auditor-General and the RM4.6 billion Port Klang Free Zone 'ghost town' scandal are recent examples.

People are still waiting for Abdullah to haul in the 'big fish' without fear or favour. He has failed the people miserably on this one.

- BN will improve the level of personal safety of every individual.
- BN will enhance the efficiency and integrity of the Police force.

Despite what the authorities claim, public security is at an all-time low. Violent crime has become more rampant, organised crime is rearing its head and public confidence in the police force is at its lowest.

Several high-profile criminal cases were discharged because of poor prosecution. It doesn't help there has been in-fighting between police departments and the internal security ministry. Who has jurisdiction for the police and the ministry? Abdullah, as Internal Security Minister.

Abdullah has also said: "I am adamant that my agenda (will) not be mere sweet promises or election promises. The government that I lead has proven that we work for the rakyat and not for votes."

The government has announced several mega projects including the Iskandar Development Region in Johor (RM42 billion); Northern Corridor Economic Region (RM40 billion); trans-peninsular oil pipeline (RM25 billion); Ipoh-Padang Besar double-track railway (RM10 billion) and Bakun undersea cable (RM8 billion).

Based on past history, many wonder how much of these billions will be wasted and how much will benefit the Umno-putras and their cronies.

The BN 2004 manifesto said: 'You have the choice to determine the future of the nation. The government you choose should be able to protect and advance the interests of all citizens.'

BN will win the next GE, again with another thumping majority. There is no doubt about this. There will be more of the same "we have the people's mandate" crap.

Voters have to let their conscience decide if they want more of the same. Do not be fooled by rhetoric - remember, a vote for BN is a vote for Umno. So do the right thing.

Exercise your democratic rights wisely if you do not agree with what the Umno government is doing to the country. Cast your vote wisely. The least you can do is ensure the future of your children and your children's children. Their future is in our hands.

SH TAN is an engineer by profession and an independent political observer. He is concerned that the government remains in denial over poor governance, corruption and systemic rot.